Quotations from scriptures: Ever wondered what is realistic (NISHCHAYA) rational conduct?

Quotations From SAMAN SUTTAM Realistic Rational Conduct One who is free from all possessions, internal as well as external, focuses on the intrinsic attributes of perception and knowledge, perceives and knows the self, unambiguously and with certainty, enjoins rational conduct and is the master of one's own character. Link to Complete Article

 

From Religious Books: Is religion obsolete in view of the modern technological advances? Can religion help an individual in spite of the hatred and violence resulting from blind adherence to faith?

What Is Religion? by Dr. Sagar Mal Jain Today man needs mental peace and complete integration with his own personality and with his social environment. Can religion, in general, and Jainism, in particular, meet this need of our times? Yes, it can. Religion, according to Jain thinkers, does not mean superstitions, dogmas and rituals. It has eternal concepts and values, which can meet the needs of the time. Link to Complete Article

In many instances, it is noticed that some individuals observe fasts and perform worships, introspection and meditation. Still they do not have happiness and peace of mind because they do not inculcate virtuous conduct in their lives. Thus the practice of five virtues is extremely important for Jains.

Practice Of Five Virtues: Good For One - Good For All by Anita and Arun Jain The moral fabric of Jainism is based on nonviolence. Jainism considers nonviolence to be the most important virtue for an individual as well as society. Jains believe that, on a global scale, no good of an individual or society can be achieved through violence. In general, vices of falsehood, stealing, unchastity and possessiveness entail physical and mental violence of self and others. Thus the five vows essentially enable us to practice nonviolence. The vow of nonviolence is the first and foremost virtue. Link to Complete Article

Here are a few concepts similar to Jainism:

Stoic Non-attachment by Rajiv C. Shah Thus the Stoic philosophy held that events in the external world were supremely rational. Every event happened for a reason, and the control of these events was beyond human capacity. Simple living through moderation and frugality is the key to happiness. Link to Complete Article

Reprisal and retaliation can not lead to peace and harmony in society; forgiveness can.

Forgiveness (KSHAMA) by Jayashri (Rukmini) K. Baphna Forgiveness counters the passion of anger. Anger is an impure state of our being. It is utmost violence directed not only towards others but also towards self. Link to Complete Article

Here is a youngster's view of Jainism:

Jainism: What It Means To Me by Nidhi Jain As you can see, Jainism affects me in many ways. The principles of Jainism have helped shape my character and my actions. What does Jainism mean to me? For me, it is a way of life. Link to Complete Article

It is hoped that our readers will enjoy these articles:

Yoga According To Patanjali's Yoga Darshan Link to Complete Article Exercise And Relaxation Link to Complete Article

Please enjoy the thought-provoking ideas presented in these columns:

Meeting of Minds: Intelligent Questions: Some Answers Link to Complete Article Observations & Views: A Global View of Violence Celebration of Materialism Ancient Indian Wisdom: Individualistic Religion Some Special Features of Hinduism Charity: A Casualty in Charitable Hospitals Some Food for Thought

Readers' Comments:

An anonymous friend in WI We have been reading your magazine as a family for the last 20 years and have always been very impressed and satisfied with the content. What has always especially impressed us is that, unlike the many other Jain magazines in the U.S. today, this magazine deals strictly with the tenets of the Jain religion and does not cater to personal egos by repeatedly publishing photos of various Jains with dignitaries or other sorts of personal propaganda. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Nemi Chand Jain in the July-August 2001 quarterly when he speaks out against the wave of gloss, glitter and extravagance that is slowly permeating and becoming part of Jain functions throughout the country. Our religion is one that stresses APARIGRAH and not materialism. It is sad that we as a community are moving away from this ideal in order to satisfy our collective need to flaunt our wealth. Not only do such practices harm us morally, but on a practical level, they bring us to prominence at a time when the country is experiencing a backlash against successful immigrant communities. Perhaps some of our glory-seeking Jain leaders should remember the age-old adage - the nails that sticks out gets the hammer. Jyotsna Samji, London, U.K. I have been circulating the 'Studies in Jainism' set I purchased from you at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth in S. London. The teachers are finding the material very useful not only for the children but for their own personal development. Smita & John D'Arcangelo, Getzville, NY We enjoy reading the Jain Study Circular, and do not wish to miss an issue. Rajiv Parihar, Ottawa, ON, Canada Many thanks for the July-October issue of the Jain Study Circular.

From the Jain Study Circle:

Jain Study Circle, Inc. Our Twenty-third Year With this issue, the Jain Study Circular enters its twenty-third year. We thank our readers who greatly appreciate the quality of articles published in the Jain Study Circular. We express our sincere gratitude to the writers for their contributions. We are grateful to the reviewers, Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Reston VA, Dr. Jyotiben Gandhi, Williston Park NY, Mr. Kushal Raj Jain, Sterling VA, Dr.Rajendra K. Jain, Saratoga CA, Mrs. Sunita Jain, Flushing NY, Dr. Trilok Chandra Jain, Sterling VA, Mr. Krishna K. Mehta, North Hills NY, Dr. Chandrakant P. Shah, Schaumburg IL, Mr. Pravin K. Shah, Raleigh NC, Mr. Vinay K. Vakani, Oradell NJ and Mrs. Chaula N. Vora, Manhasset NY for their valued judgment and cooperation. They are responsible for maintaining the standards of the Circular. Our readers and writers are requested to send articles for publication, and their comments and suggestions. Please follow the guidelines for writers published on page 20 of the January 1996 issue of the Jain Study Circular. These guidelines are also posted on our web site: jainstudy.org. - Board of Directors * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Quarterly Meeting Of The Jain Study Circle Jain Study Circle holds quarterly meetings in the New York Metropolitan Area. The next quarterly meeting will be held in January 2002. The topic of discussion will be 'The Concept of Independence of Soul in Jainism'. Those who wish to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion of the principles of Jainism published in the Jain Study Circular should write to: Jain Study Circle, 99-11 60 Avenue, #3D, Flushing NY 11368-4436 or call (201) 967-9344 or (718) 699-4653 or send us an e-mail at contactus@jainstudy.org Complimentary Copies Of Studies In Jainism: Primer, Reader 1 and Reader 2 The Jain Study Circle is offering complimentary copies of the series 'Studies In Jainism' to all individuals and institutions. The charges for postage and handling are: ------------------------------------------------------------- Set of Studies In Jainism: Primer, Reader 1 and Reader 2 US $5.00 per set Studies In Jainism: Primer US $2.00 per copy Studies In Jainism:Reader 1 US $2.00 per copy Studies In Jainism: Reader 2 US $2.00 per copy The offer is valid till supplies last. Click here for Printable Order Form Please make a check payable to Jain Study Circle for the postage and handling charges and mail it with your complete address to: Jain Study Circle, 99-11 60 Avenue, Apt. 3 D, Flushing NY 11368